Free An Inconvenient Trilogy by Audrey Harrison Page B

Violet said exasperated. “Have you not got to know her over these last weeks? She is insecure about her ability to receive love; she could make the wrong decision quite easily.”
    “Don’t be silly, she’s beautiful and very loveable.” Michael said, dismissing Violet’s comments with a wave of his hands.
    “Oh yes, she is beautiful, but she has never been told that. Her father wanted a boy and made it clear throughout her life that she was a disappointment. It did not matter how good she was at running his estate, she would always be lacking in his eyes. Then to top it all, along came her cousin and his wife, and added to her feelings of worthlessness. Has she told you what that woman said?” Violet said, her voice rising at the injustice of the situation.
    “Yes she told me.” Michael said, remembering his first encounter with Elizabeth.
    “And did you notice the look on her face? She has believed every bad thing ever said about her. I am amazed she still has any fire in her after those setbacks. It was all confirmed even more because of that bet. If Halkyn realises how vulnerable she is underneath that tough exterior, he will use it to his own advantage, and you will have helped her make a marriage that will not suit her. She will be married and the envy of most of the ton , but she will be unhappy.” Violet insisted.
    “What can I do?” Michael asked. He had to admit his sister’s words rang true.
    “You can declare yourself.” Violet said simply.
    Michael jumped up from his seat. “If you think I am going to take advantage of my position you are sadly mistaken Violet. I am her guardian!” He could not acknowledge to his sister his real fear. If he developed the madness that his father had suffered from, Elizabeth would suffer a far worse fate by being married to him. A marriage to Halkyn might not be perfect, but it would be preferable to a marriage to a madman.
    “She loves you Michael.” Violet replied.
    “Has she said that?” Michael asked, a little stirring of hope in his chest.
    “No,” Violet said honestly, “but I see the way she looks at you, just the same as I see the way you look at her.”
    Michael fought against the disappointment he felt. He might not be able to have Elizabeth, but it did not prevent his feelings being any less real. “I will not force her into any marriage she does not want to enter into, but I am not going to force her into a position where she feels obliged to, either.” He could not explain to Violet his fears. After all, she could suffer from the same fate, so he clung to the excuse that Elizabeth was his ward. It was a poor excuse even to his own ears, as many wards married their guardians, but he would not acknowledge any other reason out loud.
    “I don’t understand.” Violet said, with a feeling that she did.
    “I am not going to put Elizabeth in a situation that she feels obliged to accept any proposal I may have for her. I want her to make her own choices.” Michael tried to sound reasonable.
    “And yet, by not declaring yourself, you are preventing her from making an informed choice.” Violet insisted.
    “I am not going to say anything Violet, and I don’t want you to say anything on my behalf either.” Michael said firmly.
    The thought had crossed Violet’s mind, but she would never put Elizabeth in a position where she may be rejected by Michael. His misplaced sense of duty could result in driving a rift between the pair and Violet was not prepared to risk that. She had to hope that Elizabeth would not hurry into a decision that she would regret.
    Michael cursed himself for obviously betraying more than he had thought. He would have to make sure no one could speculate about any potential relationship between himself and Elizabeth, as it would only damage her chance of finding a husband. He admitted that Violet was correct in her assumptions; he had more feelings for Elizabeth than he had ever had for any other woman. He could not do